Learn

Women and girls face greater barriers than men and boys in access to health information and services, including restrictions on mobility, limited access to decision‐making power, lower literacy rates, discriminatory attitudes of communities and health care providers, and health care providers’ lack of training and awareness about the health needs and challenges of women and girls. People with diverse gender identities who, by definition, do not fit binary sex or gender norms, confront violence, stigma and discrimination, including in health care settings. Consequently, they are at higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection, chronic health conditions, and mental health problems such as suicide. Although the most obvious disadvantages of rigid gender norms are evident in gender minorities and women, such restrictions adversely affect everyone by failing to account for individual differences and preferences. Understanding these differences and their ramifications is critical to improving health outcomes and quality of life for all.

This MJA Research shares more.

Details

Authors: Maggie Kirkman, Tomoko Honda, Steve J McDonald, Sally Green, Karen Walker‐Bone, Ingrid Winship and Jane R W Fisher

Article Type: Research